Iquitos & The Amazon River
Journey through Peru’s lush
jungle & winding Amazon River


Born from a small Jesuit mission, Iquitos’s heyday came in the 19th century as the result of a rubber boom. With
no roads leading here, it can only be reached via water or by air.
During the rubber boom, money flooded into the region, and a bevy of grand and extravagant mansions were
built, including the Gustave Eiffel-designed Casa de Fierro (The Iron House). Though the rubber barons have long
since fled, their opulent residences – so incongruous to the jungle setting – still stand. Present day Iquitos is the
port in which your Amazon River cruise begins, as the largest port city in the Amazon rainforest,
making it an excellent starting point for your vacation to Peru.
Wildlife isn’t the only biodiversity the Amazon has to offer, but the gastronomy perfectly reflects the astonishing variety in this part of the jungle. Experience the vibrant taste of exotic flavors prepared in both modern and traditional dishes including the popular Paiche, a delicious dish consisting of the largest freshwater fish in South America. Take a short boat ride to a floating restaurant located in the middle of the Itaya river that offers our favorite local staples and an unforgettable view.
Learn about the traditional ways of life with a visit to the Baru or Yagua tribe. The Yagua tribe being the oldest community in the Amazon shares life in both Peru and Colombia. Witness what makes these communities so special as you learn about their preserved ways of life. Or take a historical tour of the town of Iquitos where you will learn about the rubber boom as well as the French art nouveau architecture that inhabits this area.
The Amazon offers many adventures for those who came to explore. You can take a guided hike during the day or at night and learn about the various species that call this area home. Take a trip to Monkey Island and spend the day feeding and playing with the various species of recovering monkeys and sloths. Or learn to blow glass from one of the indigenous communities inhabiting this part of the Amazon.
When booking a luxury vacation to Peru, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind – whether you’re looking to experience the
biodiversity of the Amazon, eat your way through Lima, or explore the Inca city of Machu Picchu – Peru has something
for everyone and our travel designers are eager to craft the perfect trip for your luxury vacation to Peru.
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During the high-water season which runs from December to May, cruises are better able to adventure through hidden
lagoons meanwhile the low-water season of June to November offers greater exploration through the forest.
Amazon Forever Biopark Learn and experience the lungs of the earth on a whole new level. The Amazon Forever Biopark is run by a nonprofit organization with the intention of providing environmental education through a fun, adventurous experience. Explore the private conservation area consisting of an educational aquarium, an ethnographic-botanical garden, playful giant wood sculptures, and a white-sand forest, a rare ecosystem only covering 0.05% of the Amazon.
Amazon Rescue Center With the intention of serving animals in need while educating the public, Amazon Rescue Center is a wonderful site where you can witness the heart-warming work of staff helping to rehabilitate animals in need. The tour is about 2 hours long and a staff member will guide you through the rehabilitation process. You will also be able to closely view incredible wildlife such as “Shicshi” the Manatee and “Mickey” the Ocelot.
Monkey Island Tour Just 18 miles from Iquitos you can take a tour of the impressive natural reservoir of Monkey Island housing 8 different species of monkeys and sloths. This reservoir not only allows visitors to have close contact with wildlife but also serves as a rehabilitation center for injured monkeys. An essential experience when in Iquitos, you can easily arrive here with a fun trip down the river. Be ready to laugh and smile as you get to experience feeding and playing with the different monkeys.
Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Inhabiting over two million hectares, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is one of Peru's largest protected jungles. Here you can find a variety of exotic birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and plants. You’ll even be able to have the unforgettable experience of viewing the beautiful, rare species, the pink dolphin that only inhabits the Amazon. From the deck of your Amazon cruise, you will be able to discover why they call this region “the jungle of mirrors'' with a clear image of the pristine forest mirrored on the water.
Visit an Indigenous Community Learn about the traditional ways of life from the Bora or the Yagua community. Consisting of about 2000 people, the Bora people inhabit an area stretching from Putumayo to the Napi river. Being one of the oldest communities in the Amazon, the Yaguas have about 5000 inhabitants that live in the Peruvian and Colombian jungles. Enter the traditional life of the Amazon as you learn about the daily activities, preserved traditions, dances, and crafts.
Al Frio y Al Fuego The only restaurant located in the middle of the Itaya river, Al Frio y Al Fuego offers visitors a dining experience like no other. Take a short boat ride down the river to arrive at this unique gastronomic experience. Enjoy beautifully presented, authentic cuisine on the second floor of this thatched roof paradise. Afterward, watch the sunset as you sip on a delicious Pisco Sour in the lounge next to their attached pool.
Restaurante Fitzcarraldo Named after Herzog’s film shot in Iquitos, Restaurante Fitzcarraldo serves visitors breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as a bar environment in their lounge to enjoy the Iquitos nightlife. Here you will be able to absorb the fabulous views of the Itaya-Amazonas river while exploring new dimensions of flavor from a varied menu including popular Mediterranean dishes.
Amazon Bistro Offering guests a wonderful view of the Itaya river, Amazon Bistro curates a French-styled gastronomic experience in the heart of the jungle. With an innovative menu, you can find a diversity of cuisine from Peruvian to European classics as well as delicious burgers. They serve breakfast starting early in the morning in order for you to have a nice meal before you go on your morning adventures.
Las Terrazas For an entertaining evening of performances and delicious food, Las Terrazas is a highly recommended restaurant to visit. Located on a rooftop, the restaurant and bar offer great views of both the Itaya River & Tarapacá promenade. For live music & performances, dine during the weekend. This restaurant will also have your tastebuds entertained with the variety of delicious Amazonian dishes & mixed drinks on their menu.
Delfin Amazon Cruises Experience one of Earth’s wildest regions left through an environmentally-friendly luxury riverboat stay. Delfin Amazon cruises provide world-class luxury accommodations while also having a sincere commitment to protecting the environment and communities of the region. Embark on a relaxing Amazonian vacation as you enjoy the many extravagant amenities and the opportunity to adventure out with minimal harm to the environment.
Aqua Expeditions Set sail down the Amazon river in fashion with luxurious & sustainable cruise lines: Aqua Nera & Aria Amazon cruise. While you’re not out on an adventurous excursion with the on-board naturalist expert, you can enjoy some of the many amenities these contemporary cruises offer including tranquil spas, high-end gastronomy featuring some of Peru's finest chefs, an outdoor pool, a well-equipped gym, and various social spaces to enjoy. Create memorable moments as you sail through the untouched, pristine jungle from the safety and comfort of a beautifully styled vessel.
DoubleTree by Hilton Enjoy a cozy and welcoming stay in the heart of Iquitos at the DoubleTree Hotel. The spacious rooms offer spectacular views overlooking Plaza del Armas, comfortable, large beds, air conditioning, and many other amenities to make your stay as pleasant as possible. The hotel also offers a glamorous on-site restaurant, various well-designed social spaces, and a gorgeous outdoor pool equipped with a small waterfall. Along with the exemplary service of the friendly staff, you will surely have a very enjoyable stay at the DoubleTree.
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